From left to right: Hans-Ekkehard Bob, Dieter
Schmidt, and Günther. Picture taken at the JaboG34/JG 54 convent at Memmingen
Airbase on October 16, 1997.

On November 16, 2001, Günther Rosipal - known
to a large part of the community on this website since several years passed
away. Through his devotion for the Grünherzgeschwader, JG 54 in general and
the life of late Hannes Trautloft, Günther has given an invaluable and unforgettable
contribution to the history of WW II aviation.

Günther, a multifacetted personality, told us
of how he had become fascinated of Hannes Trautloft's personality when he attended
the progressive Hermann-Lietz-Schule - the same school as Trautloft had attended.

In this modern era, we first
came into contact with Günther through the Internet and Bob Wartburg's JG 54
Grünherz Site. Since the start of this site, Günther had provided Bob Wartburg's
JG 54 Grünherz Site with an invaluable assistance. Through Bob, we made contact
with Günther in 1997. From 1998 onward followed a regular series of research
trips to Germany, tutored by the tireless Günther.

Through Günther, we were able to approach not
only the history of the Luftwaffe from a personal angle, but also to meet several
of the pilot veterans - and to meet them on a personal basis, tutored by Günther.

For many years, Günther worked for the Hannover-Laatzen
Aviation Museum in his hometown Hannover, and he has rendered an invaluable
work for this museum. Although Günther was occupied with the history of war,
he never became occupied with war per se, but with the human beings trapped
by war. His interest in WW II aviation was dictated by an interest in personal
fates. To Günther, a human life was more valuable than anything else, regardless
of time. We will never forget the occasion when Günther showed us a film of
an aircraft archeology; when the film showed the small piece attached to the
pilot's seat was dug out, Günther turned to us with tears in his eyes. "That
was a man," he said.

One of the happiest moments in Günther's recent
years was when Hans-Ekkehard Bob agreed to publish Trautloft's diary.

Thirteen months ago, Günther received the terrible
news that he had lung cancer. Although Günther received the unselfish support
from many friends, and the best medical expertise, fate could not be altered.

During his final months, Günther worked hard to
complete the editoring of Hannes Trautloft's memoirs - which he managed to fulfill
only a few weeks ago. To his weary last breath, Günther continued to inspire
us all and at the same time urge all fellow researchers to contribute to the
history of Luftwaffe.

And so typical of Günther, one of his last words
to us was a promise that after he had passed away he would keep a watchful eye
for us all. Günther Rosipal, a devoted husband, father, architect, musician,
historian, and a dear friend, will live in our memory forever. The publication
of Hannes Trautloft's memoirs will serve as a memory of Günther Rosipal as well.
We will stay indebted to Günther.